Suggestions for Selecting an End-of-life Doula Training
About NEDA
NEDA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit membership organization that is positioned as a big tent for those who provide or wish to provide or enhance the provision of non-medical support to people who are planning for or experiencing end of life. This umbrella organization offers ways to come together and to honor both what we have in common—and what sets us apart—as we share ideas and grow this profession. We are an inclusive and transparent network that welcomes all EOLD practitioners, trainers, and other interested parties, irrespective of background, personal identity and culture, level of experience, or area of focus—just as long as they share the common desire to improve the way people experience the end of life. Although NEDA is not, in itself, a training or accrediting organization, our goal is to help ensure that the support our members provide to others is based on a strong foundation of knowledge, compassion, integrity, and skill.
About EOLDs
Although there are a multitude of reasons why people are drawn to the work, many in the role have previous experience and education as clinical care providers or hospice professionals and volunteers. Others come to the work through some other type of calling—often a personal experience they had or expect to have with a family member or friend without formal training. This diversity is important. End-of-life care is not a “one size fits all” scenario. Different people want and need different things. Having a wide variety of options from which to choose is something we champion.
About EOLD Training Opportunities
Many new initiatives and opportunities have been developed to help people become involved in this emerging field of service. Numerous training programs are currently being offered—many of which are listed in NEDA’s Trainers Directory at https://www.nedalliance.org/trainer-directory.html. These programs are facilitated both by private individuals as well as renowned educational institutions—each with their own individual strengths, philosophies, and teaching styles. Because NEDA’s purpose is to elevate the work of all of our members, we do not recommend or endorse any particular educational approach over another. Everyone listed in our directories is self-described, with no oversight or approval by NEDA. However, we do encourage people to do due diligence before making a commitment. This includes talking to trainers and those who have participated in different trainings too.
If you ask any of our members to tell you about their preferences, you will likely get a different answer from each of them—demonstrating that there is no one best way to learn how to provide quality support to people preparing for or experiencing death—they are all different. And the “best” for you may not be the “best” for someone else. It really depends on what you want to get from a training or educational program.
Comparing EOLD Training/Educational Programs
So what is one to do when they receive differing opinions about anything? Get curious! Ask yourself what the reasons might be that the same program is recommended highly by one person, but not another, and apply them to your own situation—what resonates with you, what are your goals and objectives, expectations, etc.? There are many factors to consider before making a choice. These might include:
Considerations
It’s important to consider that no specific class or program can ensure that someone is fully prepared for what may be asked of them when serving others. It takes time and opportunities to become highly skilled. Here are some tips to help you find a training that satisfies your current needs and interests:
1. Do your homework! Spend time up front doing your research or you may be disappointed with the outcome.
2. Know your own motivation—how, when, where, why, etc. do you want to apply what you learn—and who all will be involved?
3. Consider your personal experience with aging, illness, death, and grief. What do you know already? Do you have a clinical background? Are you clear about your own core beliefs around death?
4. What do you know about EOLD practice? Know that there are many different applications and approaches and understand that not every training addresses this. NEDA recognizes EOLDs as those who provide non-medical support according to the Doula Model of Care and Scope of Practice, Code of Ethics, and Core Competencies and Study Guide.
5. What’s your learning style? Are you comfortable with online formats? Or do you do better interacting face-to-face?
6. Training programs vary in content, format, cost, philosophy, focus, instructor personalities and skill, etc. Some training programs are very well developed and filled with great material. At the same time, because there is no formal oversight of training content, it’s possible that some courses are relatively useless, if not down-right dangerous. You are highly encouraged to compare and contrast program attributes before investing in a program. Review different trainer’s websites and compare and contrast their curriculum. Once you’ve narrowed it down, consider giving them a call to discuss what they offer in more detail (See List of Questions for Trainers at the end of this document.)
7. There are many opportunities that aren’t necessarily billed as EOLD-focused that are fantastic resources. Before you jump into a training, we encourage you to consider doing some of the following:
9. Note that certification does not always speak to experience, capability, or competency. That is one of the main reasons why NEDA was formed. We believe that for individuals and families to embrace EOLD services, they need assurances that those offering this work possess fundamental knowledge and skills, and there must be a basic level of continuity and consistency that defines the EOLD scope of practice. As a result, NEDA has established our Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics guidelines to encourage ethical and professional EOLD work. Further, we have created a Proficiency Assessment Process that includes a test that measures general knowledge in four defined areas of core competency: 1) Communication and Interpersonal Skills; 2) Professionalism, 3) Technical Skills, and 4) Values and Ethics. The assessment was created in collaboration with multiple trainers and experienced doulas and designed to help ensure those who pass the test have a basic understanding of commonly recognized fundamentals.
10. Because there is no officially recognized oversight of the role of EOLD, if fees are involved (at least in the United States), any remuneration is done out of pocket as private pay. Medicare and private insurance do not provide reimbursement (see Selected Medicare CoPs).
List of Questions for Trainers
● Name of program
● Website
● Social media sites
● Primary contacts
● Year founded
● Organizational structure (LLC, 501c3, etc.)
● Affiliations
About the individual trainer(s):
● Tell us about your general EOL experience
● What drew you to this work?
● What is your educational and professional background?
● How long have you been teaching?
● Are you a NEDA Member?
● Have you earned your NEDA Badge through the Proficiency Assessment Process?
● Are you a member of other EOL-related organizations? If so, which?
● What prompted you to develop and implement a training program?
● Why do you think training is important?
● What is your teaching style?
About the program:
● Are you accredited or affiliated with any other organization or instructional institution?
● What inspired you to form this program?
● What about your program distinguishes it from others?
● Target audience—who do you want to participate in this course?
● Format/Location/Frequency/Class size/Platform
● Number of offerings per year? Pricing/Value/Cost
● Requirements for participation?
● Objectives/Approach/Philosophy/Outcomes
● How do you describe the role of the EOLD?
● Describe your curriculum and content (level?). What is the main focus of your program?
● Who does the teaching? Who are your instructors?
● Does your training address all the core competencies outlined by NEDA?
● Are you aware of and do you follow the Doula Model of Care, Scope of Practice, and Code of Ethics, as outlined by NEDA?
● Do you include NEDA Proficiency material in your curriculum?
● Do you inform your students about NEDA or any other EOLD groups?
● Features/benefits: e.g., ongoing mentoring, directory, newsletter, networking, events, etc.
● How many students have participated in your trainings? Can you provide references?
● Has the program changed over time?
● What kind of support do you provide to your students?
● How do you promote/market your program?
● If you offer “certification,” please explain what that means to you.
More information can be found on our website at http://www.nedalliance.org/. We have resources about the role of the EOLD, educational opportunities and book suggestions and information on individuals and organizations that offer EOLD training opportunities. If you are on Facebook, you may also want to like our page: https://www.facebook.com/national.end.of.life.doula.alliance
Submitted by Karen Reppen, NEDA Board Member, July 2021. Revised March 2022
NEDA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit membership organization that is positioned as a big tent for those who provide or wish to provide or enhance the provision of non-medical support to people who are planning for or experiencing end of life. This umbrella organization offers ways to come together and to honor both what we have in common—and what sets us apart—as we share ideas and grow this profession. We are an inclusive and transparent network that welcomes all EOLD practitioners, trainers, and other interested parties, irrespective of background, personal identity and culture, level of experience, or area of focus—just as long as they share the common desire to improve the way people experience the end of life. Although NEDA is not, in itself, a training or accrediting organization, our goal is to help ensure that the support our members provide to others is based on a strong foundation of knowledge, compassion, integrity, and skill.
About EOLDs
Although there are a multitude of reasons why people are drawn to the work, many in the role have previous experience and education as clinical care providers or hospice professionals and volunteers. Others come to the work through some other type of calling—often a personal experience they had or expect to have with a family member or friend without formal training. This diversity is important. End-of-life care is not a “one size fits all” scenario. Different people want and need different things. Having a wide variety of options from which to choose is something we champion.
About EOLD Training Opportunities
Many new initiatives and opportunities have been developed to help people become involved in this emerging field of service. Numerous training programs are currently being offered—many of which are listed in NEDA’s Trainers Directory at https://www.nedalliance.org/trainer-directory.html. These programs are facilitated both by private individuals as well as renowned educational institutions—each with their own individual strengths, philosophies, and teaching styles. Because NEDA’s purpose is to elevate the work of all of our members, we do not recommend or endorse any particular educational approach over another. Everyone listed in our directories is self-described, with no oversight or approval by NEDA. However, we do encourage people to do due diligence before making a commitment. This includes talking to trainers and those who have participated in different trainings too.
If you ask any of our members to tell you about their preferences, you will likely get a different answer from each of them—demonstrating that there is no one best way to learn how to provide quality support to people preparing for or experiencing death—they are all different. And the “best” for you may not be the “best” for someone else. It really depends on what you want to get from a training or educational program.
Comparing EOLD Training/Educational Programs
So what is one to do when they receive differing opinions about anything? Get curious! Ask yourself what the reasons might be that the same program is recommended highly by one person, but not another, and apply them to your own situation—what resonates with you, what are your goals and objectives, expectations, etc.? There are many factors to consider before making a choice. These might include:
- Content/curriculum (scope and focus, philosophy, etc.)
- Instructors’ experience, perspectives, ability and accessibility, commitment
- Platform (online, in person, etc.)
- Location
- Price
- Time commitment, duration
- Availability of resources to students after course completion
- Reputation and results
Considerations
It’s important to consider that no specific class or program can ensure that someone is fully prepared for what may be asked of them when serving others. It takes time and opportunities to become highly skilled. Here are some tips to help you find a training that satisfies your current needs and interests:
1. Do your homework! Spend time up front doing your research or you may be disappointed with the outcome.
2. Know your own motivation—how, when, where, why, etc. do you want to apply what you learn—and who all will be involved?
3. Consider your personal experience with aging, illness, death, and grief. What do you know already? Do you have a clinical background? Are you clear about your own core beliefs around death?
4. What do you know about EOLD practice? Know that there are many different applications and approaches and understand that not every training addresses this. NEDA recognizes EOLDs as those who provide non-medical support according to the Doula Model of Care and Scope of Practice, Code of Ethics, and Core Competencies and Study Guide.
5. What’s your learning style? Are you comfortable with online formats? Or do you do better interacting face-to-face?
6. Training programs vary in content, format, cost, philosophy, focus, instructor personalities and skill, etc. Some training programs are very well developed and filled with great material. At the same time, because there is no formal oversight of training content, it’s possible that some courses are relatively useless, if not down-right dangerous. You are highly encouraged to compare and contrast program attributes before investing in a program. Review different trainer’s websites and compare and contrast their curriculum. Once you’ve narrowed it down, consider giving them a call to discuss what they offer in more detail (See List of Questions for Trainers at the end of this document.)
7. There are many opportunities that aren’t necessarily billed as EOLD-focused that are fantastic resources. Before you jump into a training, we encourage you to consider doing some of the following:
- Read the entire NEDA website
- Look at other EOL Care organizations (NHPCO, HFA, ADEC, etc.)
- Volunteer with hospice
- Read books and blog, watch films, look at websites that deal with EOL care
- Attend online conferences and webinars
- Network with other NEDA members, and other EOL workers
- If you want to do this for money—consider what you need to know about running a business.
9. Note that certification does not always speak to experience, capability, or competency. That is one of the main reasons why NEDA was formed. We believe that for individuals and families to embrace EOLD services, they need assurances that those offering this work possess fundamental knowledge and skills, and there must be a basic level of continuity and consistency that defines the EOLD scope of practice. As a result, NEDA has established our Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics guidelines to encourage ethical and professional EOLD work. Further, we have created a Proficiency Assessment Process that includes a test that measures general knowledge in four defined areas of core competency: 1) Communication and Interpersonal Skills; 2) Professionalism, 3) Technical Skills, and 4) Values and Ethics. The assessment was created in collaboration with multiple trainers and experienced doulas and designed to help ensure those who pass the test have a basic understanding of commonly recognized fundamentals.
10. Because there is no officially recognized oversight of the role of EOLD, if fees are involved (at least in the United States), any remuneration is done out of pocket as private pay. Medicare and private insurance do not provide reimbursement (see Selected Medicare CoPs).
List of Questions for Trainers
● Name of program
● Website
● Social media sites
● Primary contacts
● Year founded
● Organizational structure (LLC, 501c3, etc.)
● Affiliations
About the individual trainer(s):
● Tell us about your general EOL experience
● What drew you to this work?
● What is your educational and professional background?
● How long have you been teaching?
● Are you a NEDA Member?
● Have you earned your NEDA Badge through the Proficiency Assessment Process?
● Are you a member of other EOL-related organizations? If so, which?
● What prompted you to develop and implement a training program?
● Why do you think training is important?
● What is your teaching style?
About the program:
● Are you accredited or affiliated with any other organization or instructional institution?
● What inspired you to form this program?
● What about your program distinguishes it from others?
● Target audience—who do you want to participate in this course?
● Format/Location/Frequency/Class size/Platform
● Number of offerings per year? Pricing/Value/Cost
● Requirements for participation?
● Objectives/Approach/Philosophy/Outcomes
● How do you describe the role of the EOLD?
● Describe your curriculum and content (level?). What is the main focus of your program?
● Who does the teaching? Who are your instructors?
● Does your training address all the core competencies outlined by NEDA?
● Are you aware of and do you follow the Doula Model of Care, Scope of Practice, and Code of Ethics, as outlined by NEDA?
● Do you include NEDA Proficiency material in your curriculum?
● Do you inform your students about NEDA or any other EOLD groups?
● Features/benefits: e.g., ongoing mentoring, directory, newsletter, networking, events, etc.
● How many students have participated in your trainings? Can you provide references?
● Has the program changed over time?
● What kind of support do you provide to your students?
● How do you promote/market your program?
● If you offer “certification,” please explain what that means to you.
More information can be found on our website at http://www.nedalliance.org/. We have resources about the role of the EOLD, educational opportunities and book suggestions and information on individuals and organizations that offer EOLD training opportunities. If you are on Facebook, you may also want to like our page: https://www.facebook.com/national.end.of.life.doula.alliance
Submitted by Karen Reppen, NEDA Board Member, July 2021. Revised March 2022
Copyright 2023 National End-of-Life Doula Alliance, nedalliance.org
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